A majority of existing parking lots are asphalt lots. However, concrete is also an option. In theory, concrete will last longer than asphalt. However, if you take care of your asphalt parking lot, it is usually the better investment. Most asphalt contractors in the bay area also provide sealcoating and striping in Clearwater FL, which are some services that will increase the longevity of your asphalt parking lot.
Concrete vs. Asphalt
Theoretically, concrete will last longer than asphalt and requires less maintenance. However, it is more expensive than asphalt. Additionally, there is nothing you can do to preserve it. With asphalt, you can sealcoat and repair potholes, which increases it’s longevity. If you sealcoat your asphalt parking lot every 18-24 months and it doesn’t experience heavy traffic, it will last up to about 20 years before it needs to be repaved.
The better investment
Even though asphalt does not last as long on its own, it is the better investment because there are ways that you can protect it and repair it without having to repave the lot. Additionally, the chances of you getting the maximum longevity out of a concrete parking lot for it to be worth the extra money is small. Therefore, we recommend using asphalt to pave your parking lot.
How to increase the life of asphalt
Unlike concrete, there are several things you can do to insure that your asphalt parking lot lasts as long as possible.
Thickness. The thicker the asphalt, the longer it will last. The standard thickness of asphalt when it is laid is around 2 inches. Though thicker asphalt lots last longer, they cannot be too thick or you will run into drainage problems. Usually, when an overlay is done (putting a layer of asphalt over preexisting asphalt), about half an inch to an inch of asphalt is applied. After a couple overlays, the asphalt will have to be dug up and redone.
Sealcoating and Striping. Sealcoat is a tar substance that is put on top of asphalt to protect it from damage due to weather and traffic. It can double your parking lot’s longevity if done regularly. After your parking lot is sealed, it will need to be restriped. If you are a business in the bay area, we recommend that you find a company that does sealcoating and striping in Clearwater FL to get the longest use out of your parking lot.
Asphalt repair in Clearwater FL
Even if you take all the precautions to protect your parking lot from damage, you will likely have to repair it at some point. Bay Area Asphalt Maintenance is a company that does asphalt repair in Clearwater FL. If you are looking for asphalt patching, striping, or sealcoating, we would love to help you!